Florida State Secretary Michael Ertel resigns after Blackface Photo

Michael Ertel the just named Florida State Secretary resigned from office. This after photo of him posing as a female of Hurricane Katrina victim in blackface. The photo obtained by the Tallahassee Democrat, the paper reported online Thursday. The photo takes in 2005 according to the Democrats, shortly after Ertel become supervisor of elections in Seminole County. Describe Ertel in Blackface wearing a New Orleans Saints bandanna around his head and a shirt. With the words Katrina Victims written on it. The Democrat report that Ertel confirmed to the paper he was the man in the photos last week. The photos shared with the head of the State’s office Thursday, that had not previously seen the photos.

Ertel told the paper said there is nothing I can say. Ertel did not respond to a request for comment. In front of a lawmaker group, Ertel testified as late as Thursday morning. However, in an email to the head of the State Mr. Ron DeSantis just before 2 pm, Ertel presents his resignation which effective immediately. He won several awards for his work in improving elections and registering more voter. Actually, in 2012, he blames Scott over the state’s head attempt to remove foreigners from the state’s voter rolls. He said many qualified. Before his appointment for the position, he works as Seminole County’s first public affairs spokesman. He helped with media for Visit Florida after the 2004 Hurricane season.

DeSantis said, Ertel, done a lot of good work, but at the same time, I’ve to go to have an administration focused on what matters to the people of Florida. Again he said he don’t want to get entangled into side controversies. Also, he felt it was best to accept the resignation and move on. He wants people to be able to lead and not have these things spin around them. Ertel email resignation made no detail to the debate that ended his short term. Quoted Abraham Lincoln in his email signature, saying these men ask for just the same thing, fairness, and fairness only. Thus, so far as in my power, they, and all others shall have.